NORWICH – The Norwich City Council is considering new avenues that incentivize developers to rehabilitate some of the most blighted properties in the downtown area through a tax exemption program aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation process.

Under New York State real property tax law, the council is authorized to opt into a property tax exemption program for the rehabilitation of multiple family structures, which would allow the city to market vacant dilapidated buildings within the city, including the former Unguentine building on Hubbard Ave. and city-owned properties at 42 and 44-46 North Broad Street.

The program requires that the designated structure include three or more apartments, and at least 20 percent of those apartments must be affordable to individuals or families of low to moderate income. Commercial buildings with space for residences are not off limits.

“This is a good incentive for private developers to develop a building and put it back on the tax roles,” explained City Mayor Joseph Maiurano, “and the building itself will be progressive for obtaining other ways of creating revenue for the city.”